If you own or are considering an Acura RDX and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can an Acura RDX tow a trailer?
Yes, an Acura RDX can tow a trailer or camper up to 1,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with an Acura RDX which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With An Acura RDX
So, can an Acura RDX tow a trailer? Yes: the Acura RDX towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,500 lbs your Acura RDX can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Acura RDX.
Acura RDX Tow Package
Does The Acura RDX Come With A Tow Package?
The Acura RDX does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Acura RDX Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Acura RDX.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With An Acura RDX?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller because the Acura RDX can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Acura RDX Towing Package Cost
Acura RDX Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Acura RDX trailer hitches run between $175-$275.
Take a look at this recommended Acura RDX towing hitch kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. This class 2 trailer hitch kit has a standard 1-1/4-inch receiver and includes a ball mount with a 3/4-inch hole, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack (trailer ball sold separately)
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch kit fits select model years of the Acura RDX
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
An Acura RDX trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$50.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Honda Accord Crosstour and Acura RDX (factory tow package required)
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Acura RDX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Acura RDX (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Acura RDX Brake Controller Cost
Acura RDX brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On An Acura RDX? Acura RDX Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on an Acura TLX trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Acura RDX?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Acura RDX, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Can Acura RDX Tow?
Your Acura RDX can pull a trailer, camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Acura RDX can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Happier Camper HC1
- ProLite Mini
- MeerKat Trailers
- nuCamp TAG
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Camper
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of trailers and campers that can be towed by an Acura RDX.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Acura RDX, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 1,500 lbs so your Acura RDX can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 1,500 pounds.
Acura RDX Towing Capacity
So, how much can an Acura RDX tow?
The Acura RDX towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
- Acura RDX Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
- Acura RDX GVWR: 4,784 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Acura RDX can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Acura RDX GVWR or Acura RDX towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Acura RDX Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Acura RDX as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,500 pounds).
Most Acura RDX models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Acura RDX, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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